Caloric Expenditure

Definition

Caloric expenditure refers to the number of calories your body uses to perform daily activities, including breathing, digestion, physical activity, and other bodily functions.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Caloric expenditure is the total amount of calories burned by the body to maintain basic physiological functions such as basal metabolic rate (BMR), thermic effect of food (TEF), and physical activity level (PAL). It is a crucial component in understanding energy balance and weight management.

Benefits

• Helps in weight management by balancing calorie intake and expenditure.
• Can aid in identifying the appropriate caloric intake for individual health goals.
• Supports understanding of the body's metabolic needs.

Examples

• Engaging in physical exercises like running, swimming, or cycling which increase caloric expenditure.
• Daily activities such as walking, cleaning, and gardening also contribute to caloric expenditure.

Additional Information

• importance: Caloric expenditure is important for creating an effective diet plan and fitness regimen. Understanding it helps in setting achievable weight loss or maintenance goals.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Thermic Effect of Food
• Physical Activity Level
• Energy Balance

References

• Understanding Energy Balance: What is Caloric Expenditure?
• The Basics of Metabolism and Energy Balance